 Do you ever get the feeling that the property reviews on TripAdvisor or similar websites are a little shady? Like they might not be real or biased? If so, then keep reading because I’m going to share with you the truth about reviews for resorts and what you should consider before you book that trip... Understanding Travel Review Deceptions Before You Book:
Have you ever had a bad experience and it stayed with you throughout the day, where your mood and personality were altered for the rest of the day? This can be true on vacation too. Travel is unpredictable and when someone starts the trip off with issues, whether they are personally inflicted, such as arguments or the stress from preparing before the trip – or outside influences related to travel delays due to mother nature or mechanical issues. These incidents can snowball and turn excitement into frustration, which can be hard for some people to separate and move on from. Understanding this nature and that some people feel better if they voice all the nit-picky details that happened after their first disappointment can be reflected in unwarranted reviews. Most importantly you must remember, you are not them! The reviewer could love something on the opposite spectrum of the experience and quality you prefer on vacation. The clientele a resort tends to attract, may not be the type of people you would normally take advice from or want to share your vacation time with. So, just because so many people love something online, the typical guest that tends to stay at that particular resort, may not have the same appreciation level relating to your tastes, comforts, or definition of luxury and fine dining that you desire. Be sure to read between the lines, and deep dive into the type of resort it truly is!
Unfortunately, this gaming of the system has spilled into property reviews. On Fiverr alone, there are several freelancers who offer to write reviews for your website about your company even if they have never purchased anything from you or stayed at your hotel. Friends, family, and even staff members are also being asked to write glowing recommendations about properties. This isn’t all that surprising when you consider that an influx of bad reviews can ruin a business, good reviews can lead to more revenue, and anyone can sign up to review a company - even when they’ve never been a customer. And as Forbes explained, “TripAdvisor reviews don't require a verified booking.” So, how can you tell if the property reviews you’re reading are legit?
Otherwise, unless your family or friends has recently stayed there (and by recently, I mean within the last year - maybe two - as resorts make changes with staff, renovations or sell to new management companies which can greatly alter the experience and may not be what it was); so, if your family/friend have very similar likes and dislikes - these are the only two ways to know for sure if it will be everything you're hoping for and worth the investment.
When you are ready to travel, let's chat! I’ve visited hundreds of properties and will give you the honest facts you’re looking for about whether the property is worth it, or a complete waste of your money.
Schedule your free consultation to learn more about our services and how we can assist you with planning an unforgettable and stress-free vacation! Stay positive, safe and hopeful! Experiences Await... #experiencesawait #destinationshd
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 Unless you have an endless supply of wealth, odds are you won’t be able to travel the world full-time. Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t bring the world to you with travel decor and novelty items that remind you of the places you’ve been and the places you still want to go. Everywhere I go, I try to pick-up one piece of something, whether that be artwork, clothing, bowls (dining or storage), signs, trinkets, etc… Even if it’s just a special photo, I will get it printed on canvas to add around my house. Anything that reminds me of the experience and memories I’ve created during my travels. Such a simple way to wake up with a smile and start your day on a good note – what’s better than reliving all your carefree memories as you walk around your house! The photos you see in this article, are just a few items from my personal travels or pieces I purchased to surround me with that happy wanderlust vibe. I don’t know about you, but I’m addicted to travel, so I get a kick out of seeing the various travel themed items that you can decorate your house with, or even use on a daily basis. Talk about motivation for your dream trips! I thought it would be fun to enjoy a lighter read with a more fun side of travel and take a break from the doom and gloom. Check out a few of the below items I found recently when I went down the rabbit hole looking at some travel themed goodies...  How fun is this? Hang it on your wall, and scratch off all the places you’ve been. There are several companies that make these in different colors, but this black and gold one felt the most elegant. We all have papers and odds and ends we need to keep, but that are eyesores if they aren’t corralled. That’s why I like these storage boxes that look like suitcases stacked and ready for my next trip. A great quote that I live by is “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” Having a piece of artwork that says it is a great reminder to travel more! Same for throw pillows with fun quotes like “Not all who wander are lost.” They say that the key to more travel is to simply save money and plan to go somewhere. What better place to store your money than in a piggy bank shaped like a globe? How fun are these? While they may not make you want to spend more time in the bathroom, they might just inspire you to book your next trip out of town!
I hope you enjoyed these fun pieces of travel-themed decor. Bringing the world into your home can help you go on a virtual vacation until you can go on a real one!
When you’re ready to travel again, we hope you will think of Destinations HD. As always, for a free consultation, please reach out and we can begin working together to plan your 2021 and beyond adventures. Let us help you plan that stress-free and memorable vacation! Stay positive, safe and hopeful! Experiences Await... #experiencesawait #destinationshd  You’re probably aware that some travel agents/advisors claim that their services are completely free and that other travel agents charge fees. But how much do travel agents charge - and why do we charge at all? Travel agent fees vary from agency to agency, but to give you a quick idea, you can find a typical range between $100 to $1200 depending on the destination, length of stay and complexity of the itinerary. In keeping with my honesty and transparency, I feel it’s necessary to have an open discussion about travel agent fees, why Destinations HD charges fees and what you're actually paying for. In light of the current situation regarding COVID-19, this has been a hot topic and more travel professionals are introducing fees, so I wanted to take this opportunity to help you to understand the reasons why and the role of your travel agent as you begin to book travel in the future. This is quite lengthy, but there is so much to cover. Grab your cup of coffee - I hope you find this informative and enjoy a glimpse into the agent life...
So, Why do Agents Charge Fees? Protection Sadly, it is all too common for a person to pick a travel advisors brain, ask us to curate details of trips, call around for quotes and provide complete itineraries, only to have the would-be client take that agents expertise and work and then attempt to “shop around”. This kind of behavior has led many seasoned advisors to implement a Service Fee prior to beginning work on your requested travel plans. What you might not realize is that 95% of our work is done on the front end of a trip. The service fee is a layer of protection for the advisor to assure that we are paid for the vast amount of effort that is put in and the knowledge that is dispersed – knowledge that has taken years of education, money and training to gather, in order to help travelers around the world enjoy a travel experience that they’ll cherish forever. Education and Expertise While there are numerous tourism and travel agent certification programs available, in all honesty, this isn’t the kind of education that you need to pay attention to when you’re looking for a travel advisor. Many advisors work for large “host agencies” or “big-box” retail locations and these advisors are usually offered client leads based on a rotation schedule within the organization. While the agent may or may not have resources available to them, it is entirely possible that your agent may have limited knowledge, experience, and exposure to the destination and/or experience that you are looking for. I pride myself on growing Destinations HD to be a specialized agency with affiliations, education, and training all directly related to the niche and destinations that I offer to my clients. To that end, a portion of my service fee supports the countless hours that I have invested in my expertise. I investigate at least 3 destinations each year for training. During these familiarization trips, I visit 5-8 different properties PER DAY regardless of the weather – and let’s be honest, it is usually hot, humid, and uncomfortable - that is when you aren’t hanging in the pool at these tropical destinations. I pack sturdy and comfortable sandals to try to minimize the pain that will shoot through my feet by the end of each day, and I fall into bed exhausted, but super excited about which of the new properties I visited will be perfect to recommend to my clients when I’m back home. In addition to familiarization trips, I attend travel conferences, networking groups, training events, webinars, and keep abreast of developing situations in countries that are my areas of expertise, in addition to, paying for top of the line weather alert software so that I can keep a meteorological eye on my clients wherever they might be. So while it might appear that Destinations HD can recommend a property or a destination at the drop of a hat, be aware that there is extensive education, sacrifice and financial investment involved in having an agent who can speak knowledgeably to you about your travel plans and recommend options that will elicit the experience that you want from your vacation. So – just as in any service industry – you pay a little for education and experience.  Time Time is money and that holds true for everyone. This is why many people get paid a salary or an hourly wage – people get paid for the time they work, and Destinations HD charges a fee for a portion of our time and the work that we put into planning and managing your trip. “But wait! Travel advisors get paid on commission!” I hear you say, and yes, it is true that travel advisors get paid a percentage once travel has been completed. However, there are a couple of things to note about that:
I’ll delve more into commission later, but for now, let me continue with explaining why you’re paying for my time. Once I’ve had a consultation with you and begun to form an idea of what you want and need from me, I begin working on your travel plans. Being a concierge service, all itineraries and quotes that I present to you, were curated personally for you and your traveling companion(s). There is no auto-quote button and I don’t allow my team to outsource your quote or itinerary in any way, therefore, everything you receive is hand-picked, personally typed, and wrapped with a palm leaf before it is provided to you. This process takes quite some time, but I created this agency first and foremost to help people realize their travel dreams and to be able to have someone to trust ! Time is also a significant factor when it comes to the following:
Travel Advisor Commission Explained While I’m spilling industry secrets here, I may as well tell you that the commission structure varies greatly too AND we often get paid far less commission than excepted as some items are exempt from commission altogether. For example, there is no commission provided for airfare (or it’s very very rare, and very very low). So, although you just purchased $9500 business class airfare through you agent that found you the best flight schedule, unpublished consolidator rates, an amazing schedule that wasn’t available to the public, and will track your flights, schedule changes, call the airline when needed, organize your seat preferences, fill in your rewards numbers, let you know what the airlines new policy regarding masks or temperature checks are – we don’t get paid for any of it. Additionally many cruise lines and other suppliers have tricks to keep the commission minimal for travel agents – there are terms in the contracts which state that commission is only paid on the “base rate” for example, then the room costs are separated into an itemized list that total the entire room rate that you see and pay for. However, the commission that I get paid only applies to one item - generally the lowest priced segment – and those savings do not translate to you if you book online. You are still paying the same no matter what, but the company simply retains the additional money that would have been paid out to a travel advisor, had you used one. Unfortunately, many large corporations are not usually out to save YOU money, and would prefer to keep the extra for themselves instead of paying a travel advisor for selling their products. Tours and excursions are also no guarantee on commission for your travel agent – there are those that we get paid a small commission for and others where we don’t receive any compensation regardless of how much time and effort we put into building the perfect itinerary with days filled with the perfect activities to enrich your experience. As with the example mentioned earlier, since I am paid an upfront service fee by you, I can confidently recommend the right tour or excursion option tailored to your vision, regardless of what it means for my paycheck – I never have to choose between my integrity and my bills.
I hope you found some valuable insight into our industry. I can keep on going discussing the differences between agency services, but this is already SUPER long, so I won't keep you. Should you have any questions, feel free to drop me a line!
As always, for a free consultation, please reach out and we can begin working together to plan your 2021 and beyond adventures! Stay positive, safe and hopeful! Experiences Await... #experiencesawait #destinationshd  While this newsletter may not apply to you, I ask that you share it with those you know who could benefit, as so many couples and their families have been, and continue to be, impacted by the ever-fluid consequences of dealing with a global pandemic during their wedding planning. Weddings are supposed to be a time when families and friends come together to celebrate the love and union of two people and the bonding of two families. Since weddings are not only a joyous and emotional investment, but often a significant financial investment, I wanted to touch on some things to consider and the options out there for those who have been planning or are considering planning a destination wedding at an international location.
I wanted a Destination Wedding, but didn't mean in Puerto Backyardia! Unlike the rest of us planning vacations, weddings need to be planned at least a year in advance so “waiting to see what happens” isn’t really an option – which means that action needs to be taken without knowing what could happen or what to expect. Suffice it to say, that itself, is a very daunting thought! Luckily, human ingenuity and creativity are at their best when faced against difficult odds and this is no exception. We’ve put together a few ideas and options for those nearlyweds who want to stay true to their dream wedding vision while staying safe and keeping at-risk loved ones out of harms way. Read on for more!
So, what to do when you’re torn between a rock and a tropical paradise? Why Not Both? (my personal favorite!)... It’s your wedding day! Have it at home and abroad! In this instance, you could proceed with getting legally married at home and having a celebration with loved ones who are unable to make the trip abroad. This would allow you to scale both events to be as large, or as intimate, as you please and will ensure that no one feels left out. During these last few months I’ve seen couples opt for having their closest loved ones attend a ceremony at local landmarks, or places with special meaning such as the location of the first place the couple kissed or went on a date and then have a simple celebration in their backyard. Other couples have gone the whole nine yards, with extravagant venue, flowers, family in the bridal party who can't travel all celebrating at home, and a celebration after. All my clients are still proceeding to have an additional symbolic and dreamy ceremony with full reception overseas with those who are able to travel. You can have it all if you want! Digital Decadence... 6 months ago, many of us had never even heard of Zoom, but humans adapt quickly and now everyone from Grandma to your 4 year old nephew are pro’s at utilizing technology to spend much-needed virtual time with loved ones. While many agree that it’s not quite the same as being there in person, we are seeing a growing trend of live-streaming weddings and then celebrating with a small celebration back home. This is particularly helpful to those who have loved ones who live in different geographical locations and are unable to travel due to health, finances or travel restrictions, which are more and more common in these uncertain times. The added benefit – you can host a memorable celebration for your anniversary at a time when people are able to travel again (who doesn’t want a bonus party?!) Gateway to Love... Another way to get your loved ones that can’t travel involved, is rather than invite THEM to come to YOU, you go to them, and then fly out of the gateway nearest where most of them reside. *If possible to be done safely, this can be extra fun and unique if you host the ceremony at a nearby local or regional airport in an empty hangar! You can have a lot of fun with this option by going the traditional route and each choosing to stay with different friends/family members and not seeing each other before the ceremony, or you can make waves before you head for the beach, by inviting everyone to share the first step of your journey with you and heading to the town hall to sign the legal documents - or anything else in between! (be sure to check with your local court house first, as some may limit how many people can attend depending on your city). When the first round of fun is over, you can jet off to paradise with those who can travel and have your dream wedding last for an extra week (or longer!). Formality First, Group Honeymoon Later In a similar vein to the above, another option is to go forward with a smaller ceremony and celebration at home, so you can finally get MARRIED (yay!) and have a group getaway at a later date. This has been gaining in popularity over recent years, prior to coronavirus hitting the worlds shores, and for good reason. Taking this route ensures that you don't put any undue "pressure" on those who for varying reasons will be unable to travel to your destination wedding, but who would be heartbroken if they missed out on seeing you get married. It also gives guests/attendees additional time for planning, saving, and requesting time off of work as well as giving you extra time for the same things! I'll let you in on a secret - if you plan a group honeymoon, you will still be eligible to receive many of the same perks as if it were an official wedding - so you may as well aim for the stars and still earn free stuff! Group honeymoon's are a fun way to still create unforgettable moments and celebrate with your favorite people, but without the added stress to organize wedding events for the second time. You can even transfer to another resort after spending time with everyone, so you can enjoy some romantic alone time before heading home!  Remember – where there’s a will, there’s a way! Love will always conquer, and working together while utilizing a little creative license, can ensure that you and your soulmate are able to share your big day with the people who love you most in the world.
Every tradition throughout history was at one point a new idea, and while it might not feel like it now, you are in the unique position of creating both new traditions and history together, with stories that will be passed on down through generations to come! As always, for a free consultation please reach out and we can begin working together to bring your destination wedding dreams to fruition! Stay positive, safe and hopeful! Experiences Await... #experiencesawait #destinationshd  As parts of the world begin their initial phases for re-opening during COVID-19, we are starting to see a glimmer of what hotel and resorts stays could look like as people move forward with vacation plans. As we touched on in a previous post about what to expect when you travel next, the new normal for accommodations will look a little different than what you’re used to. While certain factors will be similar across the board, each hotel – whether it’s state specific here in the United States, or abiding by country regulations that differ from place to place – will also have their own take on how they are choosing to incorporate safety and sanitation protocols in the future. With the above in mind, I wanted to give you a heads up about what you might expect in the near future.
- Speedy Check-In? Don't Mind if I do! - Contactless Check-In While this won’t necessarily be implemented in every hotel, we’ve received confirmation that a high percentage will be instituting a contactless check-in experience. Your smartphone is going to be used for a lot more than sharing memes and applying filters in the future and it’s not all bad! Contactless check-in in many cases will be done via an app or through a website online and will often allow you to bypass the lobby and head straight to your room! In cases where that isn’t possible, you’ll find social distancing markers in lobbies and staggered approaches to checking in guests – and I don’t think any of us are going to be unhappy about streamlined check-in processes so that we can get started on our vacay stat! Health Screenings As you’ve probably anticipated, health screenings are going to be a lot more prevalent in our lives for a while. In addition to airport and customs screenings, many countries and individual hotels are instituting their own health screenings. Depending on the property these could be as simple as filling in a health questionnaire or as cautionary as temperature checks and a visit with an on-site nurse or doctor. Adjusted Staffing Measures Visitors and staff on property will all have rigorous sanitization and safety protocols – most often even prior to entering the grounds. Some locations will have completely separate entrances where staff are required to enter via a sanitation tunnel, others are requiring that staff change into uniforms upon arrival at work so that each uniform can be appropriately laundered prior to their next shift and not be exposed to any elements outside of the property. You’ll also likely view a decrease in staff who enter your room – rather than a butler filling the mini-fridge, a porter bringing extra amenities, etc, all tasks that need to be completed within a guest room will be completed by one staff member – minimizing exposure for both staff and guests. Additionally, staff will likely be required to wear gloves and masks and will be greeting you in contactless ways. Social Distancing Requirements As previously mentioned, all locations will be implementing various social distancing measures. Depending on the country that you visit those social distancing measures could be anywhere from 6-10 feet but all destinations and properties have confirmed that social distancing will be required. You’ll find markers in highly trafficked areas of the property and restaurant tables, pool and beach loungers, and gym equipment will all be separated by the appropriate distances required.
Limited Amenities and Services Building upon our previous prediction that guests could expect to see some services, amenities and activities halted or reduced once travel resumes again, we have received confirmation that that certainly will be the case in many locations. Depending on the property and service, these will differ – and it’s important to keep in mind that what may be in place when you plan your vacation may not be once you arrive. A few things seem to be prevalent mostly industry wide such as buffet service either being suspended altogether in favor of a'la carte options or self-service not being an option at buffets – rather, you'll be served by a specific server at each station. Likewise, restaurants will have a reduced capacity in order to abide by social distancing guidelines and there will be limits on the number of guests who can be seated together. For large groups it will be paramount to plan early and to work with your travel agent in order to arrange for group dining options. Swim-up bars could be closed entirely or open with restrictions, and on-property watersports, in some locations, are requiring that guests are present while machines are sterilized prior to their use. Face Masks Like all of the above, this one is fluid and ever-changing, but we know that this can be a make or break factor for many travelers. Thus far, there are destinations which will require masks to be worn in all areas that guests congregate together and again, in other destinations, this might not be required and swim up bars may be closed or open with restriction along with water sports and other activities.  While all of this can seem daunting to wrap your head around, for the most part those in the industry who have already begun traveling have nothing but good news to report!
Most of the above changes are allowing for more personalized services to be administered to each guest, and you can rest soundly in the knowledge that cleanliness and hygiene standards have never been higher! When it comes to planning where you want to go next and understanding the new protocols, my best advice is to reach out so that we can discuss the kind of experience that you're looking for and tailor a vacation to suit your needs. Stay safe, positive and hopeful! Experiences Await... #experiencesawait #destinationshd  If you are anything like me, your travel bug is getting anxious to explore again! It's been great to see many destinations starting to re-open and accepting tourists again these past few weeks, and I'm looking forward to seeing even more this summer. As I have started planning new vacations again, there is one thing I noticed trending in regards to the immediate future of vacation planning... You must plan in advance and prepare more than you normally would. Let me take you on a quick imaginative journey of one of these exclusive experiences you must pre-plan, even earlier than before, to guarantee your spot! Imagine breathtaking views that are still largely untouched by commercialism and not overrun with tourists. Picture mountain views, canyons carved by rushing waters, and stunning landscapes. Now imagine being able to view it all from a world-class train that puts you up close with nature while transporting you in luxury. You can enjoy all this and more with one of the many Rocky Mountaineer luxury train tours. While this year is a no go for this adventure - there are already limited options for the 2021 season as everyone had to reschedule from their cancelled 2020 trip. They have a short season any how (from late April to October), so you should jump on pre-planning now or you may be stuck with waiting until 2022! - Travel by Day, Sleep by Night - One of the biggest problems with many train tours, is that you often end up sleeping through a large portion of your travels. Of course, this means you miss much of the scenery. Perhaps one of the most enticing aspects of the train tours offered by Rocky Mountaineer is that they feature daylight-only train tours so you won’t miss anything along the way! While you ride in comfort viewing picture-perfect landscapes, you’ll be treated to outstanding service, gourmet meals, complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, sweet and savory snacks, and much more. The train cars give you the best seat possible to discover the wildlife and the surroundings thanks to the glass-dome windows that allow you to take in the sights without obstruction, and without the need to worry about the elements. Then, once the sun goes down, the train will stop and transfer you to a hotel where you can explore the area, before you settle in for a comfortable night of sleep.  There are three (3) main routes offered, but you also have three (3) journeys to choose from to customize the length of your trip. In addition, to deciding the type of journey and route you prefer to take, they also offer two (2) service levels that give you distinct experiences for different budgets, both offering an effortless and unforgettable vacation. The short journey's range from spending 2-3 days onboard the train before returning to Vancouver. The most popular journey's ranges from 5-9 nights, which can go in reverse order however you choose, from Vancouver and at the other end being in Jasper or Calgary. To see even more of the incredible scenery that the Rocky Mountains has to offer, you can also combine TWO itineraries that allow you to start and end your journey from the same place. These combination tours range from just 6 to 12 nights and is a great way to see it all! While all those options may seem overwhelming, we make it simple and help you through all the options to determine what is the best for you. Each offers it's own budget, style and inclusions, and it's our job to help you design the most perfect package! Below is a brief overview of the available routes... Three Rail Routes Available 1). First Passage to the West This two-day rail journey takes you from the Pacific Coast to Banff Lake Louise along the same route that was traveled more than 125 years ago. Along the way, you will witness mountains and wilderness that remains largely unchanged since those days of the first explorers. 2). Journey through the Clouds This is another two-day rail journey, on which you will travel through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, with all of nature’s raw beauty on full display. The highlights of this tour include the majestic Mount Robson and the postcard-perfect Pyramid Falls. Stops include Vancouver, Kamloops, and Jasper. 3). Rainforest to Gold Rush Finally is the three-day rail tour with stops in Vancouver, Whistler, Quesnel, and Jasper. This tour will take you from one extreme to another - from the world’s largest temperate rainforest to the arid ranchlands of the historic Cariboo Gold Rush region. Although there’s no gold left, the area is still rich in natural beauty.  Did I Mention the Additional Inclusions?! - Accommodations: From luxury accommodation in the heart of Vancouver, to a rustic inn in a quaint train stop town in the Rockies and the height of indulgence in a lake view room in a chateau overlooking stunning Lake Louise. - Meals & Drinks Onboard: Decadent flavors to savor with locally inspired cuisine for breakfasts and lunches as you make your way through the untamed beauty of the wilderness. Dinner and drink options are varied and available to suit every taste and diet. - Included Adventures: Go on an ice tour across glaciers, take a skytram across the mountains and even helicopter above some of the most sweeping vistas you'll ever see; all included, all inspiring. - Travel Host: Dedicated host that will make your onboard experience as memorable as the journey. You will get to know them like family with the stories they share as they take care of your every need onboard. They will also provide insight on the historic site, flora, fauna and wildlife. To learn more about this truly unforgettable journey of a lifetime, call me or schedule your consultation now!
Stay safe, positive and hopeful! Experiences Await...  Photo courtesy of IG @navigating.nicole Like so many of you, we here at Destinations HD have been rethinking (and rescheduling!) our vacation plans this summer. The world is re-opening, but as we talked about recently, travel is going to be a little different for a while. So what next? If you aren't comfortable to jet-off to far away destinations with multiple plane trips right now, what can you look to do instead? The answer that we are excited to share, is small group adventures right here in the USA! When you have grown up here, I think it’s easy to forget how special your own backyard is. (not literally. I think we are all sick to death of our own backyards at this point, am I right?!) It's a perfect time to get out there and see our beautiful and diverse country with your friends and loved ones, as well as, put some fervor and finance back into the country. Read on below, to learn a little more about what Destinations HD can offer in terms of travel in the United States... - Home Is Where You Don't Need A Passport - I know we don't typically sell Continental U.S. vacations, but what you might not realize is we actually do - just in a specialized capacity. We don't plan hotel-only vacations (for a variety of reasons we won't get into here), but we do offer a variety of journeys designed to introduce you to authentic experiences and never-to-be-forgotten sights that you can do independently, or within a small group capacity. If you and your traveling companions are anything like me, you’re not quite ready to hit the road and figure out how to take care of an RV, but you are chomping at the bit to get out and about. Booking a small group adventure vacation solves both of these problems. Hit the road with yourself and 6-13 others into a luxury van or small bus with a private driver/guide doing all the legwork! You won’t have to switch drivers, navigate the route yourself, or go without Wi-Fi or cell service in dead zones within your Wi-Fi equipped vehicle, and the best part is you can spend the travel time hanging out together, napping, or sharing your travel adventures on Instagram! The diversity of options in the U.S. has increased dramatically in recent years, and even more so now with more people looking inward for their 2020/2021 vacation plan. There are a TON of different experiences available from camping trips (with everything provided!), to city and beach explorations, to finally getting out there and enjoying the breadth and beauty of the numerous stunning national parks our country has. Ever gazed longingly at pictures of clear water in a natural paradise? Let us send you to some of the most pristine lakes in America where you can paddle board while gazing deep into the crystalline depths. Missing the idea of cocktails poolside in a tropical haven? Hawaii and her sunsets are calling, where you can enjoy craft cocktails with a bit of glam and tan! Dreaming about quaint fairytale villages in Europe that look like they were pulled straight out of a storybook? California is home to some of the most magical and architecturally charming places that you've probably never heard of! But if it’s water, water, water you’re after, get down deep into the Grand Canyon and experience white water rafting through this geological wonder, find secret emerald pools and waterfalls only accessible by water, explore gigantic caverns, enjoy a leisurely float on motorized rafts, while enjoying gourmet meals prepared for you riverside, and end it all with some fun and sun in Las Vegas! Alongside the itinerary options, you can select an All-Inclusive vacay (yep!), you can select a set itinerary, or you can customize an itinerary by adding, reducing, upgrading or downgrading the following.
 The United States is your oyster right now and you can choose exactly how you want to devour it! Spread the beauty and culture of this great nation around the world so that when the world is ready, our tourism industry can bounce back and thrive.
We can help each other, our country, the tourism industry and all that it encompasses (hotels, restaurants, national parks, and all those employed within) by staying safe and planning unforgettable small group vacations right here at home! With so many small group options, it's easy to get your family or close friends together to venture out together and feel more at ease being surrounded by the people you love. What better way to make up for the time you missed together these past few months, than to discover new adventures comfortably as a private group. When you are ready to start planning your next getaway, just schedule your consultation and we can get the conversation started! Stay safe, positive and hopeful! Experiences Await... #experiencesawait #destinationshd  As the world begins to implement various reopening strategies, so too is the travel industry and we think it’s important to take a look at what travel in the foreseeable might look like. Although we all want to spring back into things and get back to celebrating, traveling and experience all that this amazing world has to offer, things are not going to be the “same” for a while. As we prepare each of our clients as best as we can for their adventures going forward, we also want to share with you some new expectations to keep in mind when for your future travel. Moving forward, travel is going to look a bit different – at this point vendors throughout the industry are beginning to release their new policies and procedures, and we can continue seeing changes as we proceed. Please read on for some things you will most likely expect when you travel next... - Good Hygiene is the Only Jean That Doesn't Go Out of Style! - Anticipated Resort Sanitation Protocols: Properties are increasing their hygiene and sanitation protocols (which, honestly, is a great thing!) You can expect to find new “greetings” other than handshakes and hugs, along with a contactless guest interaction experience. You can anticipate the following (but not limited to):
 The measures listed above are going to be implemented in various locales, but are not limited to the above and nor are these measures being implemented in every destination.
It’s important to remember that we are all visitors to these other nations and each company in that destination is at the mercy of whatever new policies, requirements and protocols the governments of each nation and their states decide to implement, in addition to their own personal company guidelines should they feel the need to increase provisions. These are all subject to change at any time and may continue to evolve as the re-openings progress. None of this means that travel is halted and services will be completely non-existent of course, but it would be smart to plan your travel with the expectation of a different reality – which is not necessarily a bad thing! I think that we can all agree that increased sanitation and hygiene protocols were probably warranted and are a good thing for the health of all of us – after all - good hygiene is the only jean that doesn't go out of style! 😉 On top of that – think about the fact that check-in and check-out will now be far more expedited than ever before and you won’t be crammed onto a beach or pool area with loungers in rows upon rows touching each other or shuttle buses full of people and those are pretty great things to look forward to! When you are ready to start planning your next getaway, just schedule your consultation and we can get the conversation started! Stay safe, positive and hopeful! Experiences Await... #experiencesawait #destinationshd  With Mother’s Day just around the corner, I know that there are so many of us who won’t be able to celebrate our mother’s, mother figures, and the outstanding father’s who’ve played both Mom and Dad to us, in quite the same way this year. With travel restrictions slowly lifting however, we can give the Gift of Reconnection in the form of a future travel certificate – and start thinking about the kind of travel that we can safely embark on as we enter our new normal way of life. For those of us wanting to get back into the world and see new places or different scenery, but who are still wary of jumping right back into the fray of extensive multi-destination trips or mega-resorts, there are a number of smaller boutique and secluded style options available that are ideal to start. Let's explore a few of those today...
- Traveling in the New World as of Today - Here are a few of my recommendations that may offer you some peace of mind as you start to venture into the new normal travel world.
 While we are all excited to travel again and get back into the swing of living our lives and socializing, we understand that part of our new normal will include new and different ways to travel – safely, in a socially conscious manner – and I’m pleased that my boutique agency is able to help offer these alternative options.
Remember, travel will be booking up fast as the world begins to open up again, so even if you’re not sure when you want to make the leap to travel yet, you can absolutely schedule a free consultation to go over your needs and desires to discuss your options sooner rather than later. Stay safe, positive and hopeful! Experiences Await... #experiencesawait #destinationshd  As you can imagine, I’ve been working 'round the clock recently assisting clients with refunds, rescheduling and cancellations of everything from the quick 4-day getaways to Mexico, to rearranging entire wedding groups, as well as, month-long European adventures. Throughout these last couple of months, as the situation has continued to evolve, I’ve noticed significant differences in vendor/supplier responses and treatment towards their guests, travel partners and staff members. As a result, it’s made me appreciate the additional levels of security, protection, and options that are available when choosing to work with vendors that are stable enough to provide most (if not all) components for a lengthy multi-destination adventure versus securing each individual travel component with multi-vendors. As a small business owner, I strongly believe in supporting the local communities and businesses abroad when I travel, but it’s important to understand that when working with a larger vendor, it doesn’t actually mean that you’re choosing “big business” over small and local. Quality vendors, partner with locals in the community to ensure that they help the local economies and people, in addition to providing travelers with an immersive local experience. To this end, I want to shine a spotlight on the “tour” experiences offered for multi-destination vacations. There are still a lot of misconceptions about taking tours, and the most common one is that a tour is squeezing onto a bus with a group of strangers and being driven past sights to snap some pictures before quickly moving on to the next place. While those kinds of tours do exist and can be the right choice for some, there are a multitude of other ways to take advantage of the tour benefits while maintaining the flexibility of independent travel. You want to ensure that your trip is protected and that you work with the suppliers who have your best interest at heart! - It's Better to Travel Well, Than to Arrive - With all that in mind, I wanted to point out a few of the styles and benefits of different tour experience opportunities... Tour Benefits:
Tour Experiences:
Stay safe, positive and hopeful! Experiences Await... #experiencesawait #destinationshd |
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